St. Bonaventure

St Bonaventure joins the Franciscans (detail) by Francisco de Herrera, the Elder

St. Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Feast day-July 15)

St. Bonaventure, known as "the seraphic doctor," was born at Bagnorea in Tuscany, in 1221. He received the name of Bonaventure in consequence of an exclamation of St. Francis of Assisi, when, in response to the pleading of the child's mother, the saint prayed for John's recovery from a dangerous illness, and, foreseeing the future greatness of the little John, cried out "O Buona ventura"-O good fortune!

At the age of twenty-two St. Bonaventure entered the Franciscan Order. Having made his vows, he was sent to Paris to complete his studies under the celebrated doctor Alexander of Hales, an Englishman and a Franciscan. After the latter's death he continued his course under his successor, John of Rochelle. In Paris he became the intimate friend of the great St. Thomas Aquinas. He received the degree of Doctor, together with St. Thomas Aquinas, ceding to his friend against the latter's inclination, the honor of having it first conferred upon him. Like St. Thomas Aquinas, he enjoyed the friendship of the holy King, St. Louis.

At the age of thirty-five he was chosen General of his Order and restored a perfect calm where peace had been disturbed by internal dissensions. He did much for his Order and composed The Life of St. Francis. He also assisted at the translation of the relics of St. Anthony of Padua. He was nominated Archbishop of York by Pope Clement IV, but he begged not to be forced to accept that dignity. Gregory X obliged him to take upon himself a greater one, that of Cardinal and Bishop of Albano, one of the six suffragan Sees of Rome. Before his death he abdicated his office of General of the Franciscan Order. He died while he was assisting at the Second Council of Lyons, on July 15, 1274.

Lord Jesus, as God's Spirit came down and rested upon you,May the same Spirit rest on us,Bestowing his sevenfold gifts.First, grant us the gift of understanding,By which your precepts may enlighten our minds.Second, grant us counsel, by which we may followin your footsteps on the path of righteousness.Third, grant us courage,by which we may ward off the enemy's attacks.Fourth, grant us knowledge,by which we can distinguish good from evil.Fifth, grant us piety,by which we may acquire compassionate hearts.Sixth, grant us fear,by which we may draw back from eviland submit to what is good.Seventh, grant us wisdom,that we may taste fully the life-giving sweetness of your love.